You may have heard of The Recreational UAS Safety Test, or TRUST. We have all the details for you! The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) has been approved by the FAA as a TRUST Test Administrator. Keep reading to learn more about what the TRUST is, and what you need to know.
What exactly is TRUST?
In this instance, TRUST is a training course and test authored by the FAA. Basically, anyone who flies model aircraft of any type outdoors in the United States must complete it. It began as a congressional mandate within the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. It is intended to ensure that recreational fliers operating Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS for short) have the knowledge required to fly safely and understand the rules.
How do I know if I have to take it?
If you fly outdoors as a recreational flyer, you must complete TRUST. There are currently no exceptions to this. Even people under 18 and commercial UAS operators who already have a Part 107 certificate are still required to complete TRUST if they want to fly under the exception for recreational flyers.
Why is the AMA hosting the TRUST as a Test Administrator?
Since 1936, the AMA has been dedicated to educational programming and safety in the airspace. Regardless of experience level, all users in the airspace can benefit from a quick refresher on safety and best practices, and this beginner level training and test does just that. We have provided our aeromodelling expertise to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for years as understanding how our model aircraft (small Unmanned Aircraft Systems - sUAS) operate within the nation's airspace is of the utmost importance. We are happy to share this training with those who love model aviation.
What can I expect?
It is more like a brief training session than a test, because you can’t fail! There is some information to read that deals with flying safely and legally in the National Airspace, along with 23 multiple-choice questions. If you select an incorrect answer, you’ll be guided to the correct response until you get it right. After you finish, you’ll receive a TRUST completion certificate that you can print and/or save electronically. This certificate is proof of your passage of the test. Keep in mind that this is your only chance to retain proof of your passing the TRUST! Due to the requirements set forth by the FAA for testing administrators, we cannot help you prove your passage. If you lose your certificate you will be required to re-take the test.
Does it cost?
Completing TRUST and getting your certificate is totally free. AMA is proud to be one of the few recognized test administrators helping to keep you flying safely and legally. Our TRUST experience ensures that you can quickly pass, potentially learn something new, and enables you to meet the legal requirements to operate within the National Airspace System as a recreational pilot.
Where to start?
We even have a quick tutorial you can look through to get an idea of what you’ll need to know! It will ensure you get through TRUST quickly and easily. Our quick tutorial also offers additional AMA context to airspace safety requirements. This allows you to prove that you are a safe and knowledgeable pilot.